Franchising may be edge for successEditor's Note: This column is one of a series of monthly columns that provides information supplied by the Citrus County SCORE Chapter 646, which offers free, confidential counseling services to new and existing businesses in the county. The counseling covers a range of business-related topics. For an appointment, call 621-0775.

The candidates KENNETH CHADWICK, is an associate at Sandpiper Realty and a two-time campaign manager for state Rep. Nancy Argenziano. The Sarasota native got his start as an insurance salesman and founder of Manasota Life and Casualty, which he sold in 1965. He started a business in Tampa fitting patients with orthopedic devices, and, after selling that company, went on to become co-owner of Allied Medical Services, a health care company that provided nurses and medical equipment. He moved to Inverness in 1991 and sold his shares of Allied Medical to his partner two years later. He once served as vice president of TOO FAR, Taxpayers Outraged Organization For Accountable Representation. He is also a Republican state committeeman. He is married and has a son and two grandchildren.

Free tax assistance These sites are open through April 16 for free tax assistance offered by AARP, formerly known as American Association of Retired Persons (for older taxpayers). Taxpayers should bring all pertinent records and last year's returns to the sites. Electronic filing is available at most sites.

The stars of supportToday, the Citrus County School District will honor the people who are the nuts and bolts of the school system: the ones who transport the children, cook for them, tend to their bumps and bruises; maintain their buildings, help their teachers, manage their educations; the ones who keep things running so the children can learn.